(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

Which type of control mechanisms ensure redundant operations for high availability?

1. Physical Controls

2. Technical Controls

3. Management Controls

4. Operational Controls

The correct answer is: Technical Controls

High availability in systems and networks is often achieved through technical controls, which include the implementation of redundant systems, load balancers, failover mechanisms, and clustering solutions. These controls are specifically designed to ensure that if one component fails, another can immediately take over its function without interruption of service. Technical controls focus on the technology-oriented aspects that safeguard assets and maintain system functionality. For instance, using redundant power supplies or network connections helps ensure that operations can continue even in the event of a failure. This focus on technological solutions is critical for maintaining uptime and service reliability, which is especially important in environments that require continuous availability. In contrast, physical controls relate to the tangible measures taken to protect hardware and facilities, such as locks or security guards. Management controls refer to the organizational policies, procedures, and governance related to risk management and security practices. Operational controls involve the day-to-day procedures and tasks necessary for effective security management, such as user access controls and incident response protocols. While all these controls contribute to overall security and stability, it is the technical controls that specifically address the need for redundancy and high availability in systems.